Beefy's Bon Birthday

With all this talk of food from yesterday's post, I realized that I hadn't given you any indication of the gastronomical delights that I had on my birthday in July. (One month into 40 and I take great relief that bodily functions and teeth are remaining intact. Whew!) So here is the glorious shindig and the accompanying photos of the amazing dinner prepared by my friend and fellow foodie Georgina (now a CIA graduate!). It was amazing! But I'm guessing you're about to figure that out on your own anyway. Bon appétit!

That "B" could have stood for "birthday", "Beefy", "Bradford", or "breakdown".
If ever the emotional comfort of food was felt... this was the time. Sigh.

Sweet Dreams

California Dreamin'

Dream a little dream.

Sol Food

Eh, since I'm on a lil' food kick this morning I thought I'd just roll with this one. When we were down in Napa we decided to partake in lunch at Solage, a gorgeous resort and spa in Calistoga. The setting couldn't have been more lovely or more California. I felt cleaner and more refreshed just walking onto the property.

We started things outside on the patio on the comfy couches before all that California sunshine began to take its toll on certain members of our party so we retreated indoors to SolBar. The photo below doesn't do the place true justice, but the space was a perfect balance of comfort and cool.

And this, ultimately, was the whole reason for this post (though I'd also include with this selection the Sangria and the Green Tomato Salad!). I am an adventurous eater by nature and am willing to give most things a try. I read the entry for this on the dessert menu and was like, "Oh yeah, I gotta." So I proceeded to order the Thyme French Toast with Heirloom Tomato Marmalade and Corn Ice Cream (topped with warm maple syrup). Um...DELICIOUS! At least as far as I was concerned. The jury was a bit mixed in the overall reviews but I applauded the pastry chef for her ingenuity and daring while still delivering on dessert. Bravo!

If you ever get to Napa by all means toodle on over to Solage for a little lunch and a little cocktail. Maybe even a dip in the pool or a decadent night over? At any rate, if you happen to walk into SolBar and see a man passed out on the floor with a little corn ice cream melted near his head and a smile on his face...don't worry, it's just your Uncle...and I warned the management that this might happen. ;)

Napa Style

Georgina actually rides this to school at the CIA. I'd spill my drink if I tried that.

Good morning, Kids. Running around like a crazy person...still. How is it possible that so many things can pile up after only 4 days away? Nuts! But these photos help to immediately place my mind into longing and relaxation.

This is where we stayed during our Napa hiatus for Sarah's birthday. Jon and Georgina have done alot to this 1902 cutie and it was the perfect respite to rest our inflated and overtaxed livers. They bought the house less than a year ago after Georgina was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Sadly, she's a talented cook already, attractive, charming, funny, a delightful hostess, with an adorable house in Napa, and a looker of a husband with humor to spare. Don't worry, Kids...we all "hate" her!

Bon appétit!

100+ years and still kickin' it!


I think folding chairs and a rabid pit bull would look more welcoming but whatever.



That's Beefy's bed over by the wall. Beefy slept here. Should I send a plaque?


I couldn't get any work done here. This is daydream grand central!


I seriously hearted the glass canisters below with the vintage tea cups as scoops.


Georgina preparing the outside table for Jon's wine tasting.

I thought we shoulda put out some Cheetos and Pork Rinds. Y'know to keep it "klassy".

Yes, indeed...good times were had aplenty! Sigh. I miss you California...don't forget to write!